Logistics Robots, 6 Components needed to get Started
In these difficult trading times companies are looking to e-commerce to receive orders and satisfy customer demand while bricks and mortar outlet remain closed. These companies are now looking at logistic robots to fulfil these orders.
Companies like Amazon and Alibaba have led the world in using robots to automating order fulfilment.
This automation consists of a number of operational elements,
· Racks
· Storage area
· Robots
· Software
· Operations
· Replenishment
1. Racks
Goods are stored in standard racks with unique IDs and divided into a number of bins also with unique IDs. The bin size can vary depending on the size and average sales of the products to be sold. Racks can be 1.2mX1.2m and 1.8 m high with up to 15 locations up to 3 levels.
These racks rest on frames that which can be picked up by a "robot"
2. Storage Area
Racks are stored in clusters, say 25 racks separated by aisles. The racks in a clusters can be accessed from any direction. This cluster could hold 375 locations. Each possible storage bin is identified. bin ID, a rack ID and a storage ID.
3. Robots
Robots or AGVs (Automatically Guided Vehicles) are electronic devices that can transport up to 1000kgs and can follow instructions sent via WIFI to move a rack containing the goods being ordered to the picking station.
These Robots can use cameras and barcodes for navigation to the required rack alternatively robots can be guided by Ultrasound, improves the flexibility of travel does not require barcodes on the floors.
4. Software
The system utilizes a custom Warehouse Management System (WMS) to tract the location of the racks in the storage area. This location is dynamic and may change and be optimized with improved utilisation of previous movements. This WMS can be integrated to the installed
ERP system.
The system also has a custom Robot Control System (RCS). This is the human interface to plan the movements required in the warehouse.
5. Operation
An order can captured from the web and it can be prioritized, customer type, and service type. These orders are then passed to the WMS to coordinate the order at the picking station. The operator can see the order, and pick the goods from racks presented by the AGVs to their pick station, the process includes scanning the picked goods, the rack location for verified before packing. Once packed the carton can be electronically directed to courier, bulk deliveries, or pick up. The carton can also be weighed to compare to the theoretical weight.
The AGV returns the rack, and another AGV presents the next rack for picking. Optimally racks queued awaiting picking. The return of the racks is controlled by the WMS and its location is optimized. The high volume goods located around the outside of a storage area which has the quickest retrieval.
6. Replenishment6. Replenishment
The WMS coordinates the replenishment of empty bins with products that are at a low level. It is possible for a specific product could be stored in multiple bins.
This system is scalable and capacity increased by increasing hours worked, or increasing the capacity in the racks.
If you would like a catalogue of our robots click here
John Biggs. has spent the last 20 years selling and installing ERP systems. Logistics robots are a logical extension to provide improved efficiency and accuracy. For more information www.hikrobot.co.nz. Or email john.biggs@hikrobot.co.nz, LinkedIn
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